I have posted about this problem and its solution before, but did not get much response, so I am now posting it more widely on several forums.
I have a N+B Arto 69GL (2003). The rear window-frame has sprung away from the bodywork, allowing a small leak. I have temporarily taped-over the gap.

I know that just sticking ‘gunk’ in the gap is no solution, mainly from dealing with similar problems with my boat. The correct solution is to remove the whole frame, clean off the area on the bodywork and frame and reseal the window with Sikaflex and secure it again.

I am happy to undertake this myself if I have a bit more information on how it was built-in originally, so that is where I am seeking help.

I have not yet disturbed the wall-lining looking for fixings. Can anyone provide information on what fixings were used and does one need access to both outside and inside of the fixings – on my boat they were two-part(male/female) threaded ‘screws/bolts’ – sorry do not know proper name. Those were a two-man job to remove replace. This was because the frame had an inside and outside part.

I imagine that the MH equivalent is probably a single part just inserted and secured in the cut-out.

Is it possible that there are no fixings and that an adhesive was used to secure it?

If only an adhesive were used it should be simple enough to cut around the old adhesive and prise out the whole frame, clean off and use a good Sikaflex adhesive to put it back.

Would it be better to take the window out of the frame in order to clamp the frame to the bodywork while the adhesive is curing?

If I am barking up the wrong tree(s) please set me on the right track.

I THINK you will find that the frames are "pushed in" from the outside (so there is a lip that can mastic applied to it so there is an external waterproof seal) and then screwed "sideways" into the bodywork. If you open the window you should then be able to see the head of the fixing screws on either side going into the bodywork. Difficult to explain but they are not fixed from the outside or the inside.

Andy

Its not the destination that matters.

It's who you share the journey with (even if like me, it’s in a caravan!)
I am very fortunate to have Mrs Plodd to share mine with

I THINK you will find that the frames are "pushed in" from the outside (so there is a lip that can mastic applied to it so there is an external waterproof seal) and then screwed "sideways" into the bodywork. If you open the window you should then be able to see the head of the fixing screws on either side going into the bodywork. Difficult to explain but they are not fixed from the outside or the inside.

Andy

Andy

Thanks - had not thought of that possiblity, because of my boat window experience.

Since our 'walls' are aluminium sandwich though I wonder how they would get a good fixing into the middle - maybe there is the problem.

Maybe an N+B owner will respond - I have put it on the N+B forum but did that before.

Do you have a cosmetic surround inside the van?
Most motorhome windows utilise the frame of the window as a base to screw in to and a clip arrangement that clamps over the inner wall of the van and pulls the sandwich together.

If this is the case then removing the interior trim will reveal the fixings, often to be found in countersunk holes covered with small push in plastic plugs.

If it's a Seitz window S4 or S5 this is basically all there is too it Geoff, only real difference is the S5 has concertina blind instead of a roller blind, and the S4 has plugs for the screws, and the S5 has a perforated strip, the S4 plugs are pretty much sacrificial and readily available, the S5 strips are a snap in/out affair, but very fragile on the older ones.

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